Pope Leo XIV Visits the Canary Islands and Calls for Responsibility in the Migration Crisis

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – 11.06.2026: Pope Leo XIV arrived today on the Canary Islands to draw attention to the ongoing migration crisis, which primarily affects the arrival points on Gran Canaria and Tenerife. His visit began at the port of Arguineguín, one of the main arrival points for migrants risking the dangerous Atlantic route from West Africa to Europe. There, the Pope met with migrants as well as helpers and volunteers committed to supporting and caring for the arrivals.

In his speech, Leo XIV criticized the “indifference of many people” towards those who are “devoured by exploitation or oblivion” along this route. He appealed to the countries of origin to invest in peace and development, called on transit countries to improve protection against criminal networks, and issued a poignant appeal to Europe not to become accustomed to the Mediterranean and Atlantic becoming “graveyards without headstones.”

The Pope reminded that in 2025, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 1,172 migrants died or disappeared on the Atlantic route. These alarming figures underscore the urgency of joint international efforts to prevent further tragedies.

After visiting Arguineguín, Pope Leo XIV continued his journey to the Cathedral of Santa Ana in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the mayor presented him with the golden key to the city. In the afternoon, he celebrated a Mass at the Gran Canaria Stadium attended by around 40,000 faithful.

A further visit is scheduled for tomorrow on Tenerife, including stops at the Las Raíces reception center in La Laguna and an event at Plaza del Cristo focused on integration initiatives for migrants. The visit will conclude with a Mass at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The stay on the Canary Islands is part of the Pope’s trip to Spain from June 6 to 12, 2026, which also includes Madrid and Barcelona. Throughout the visit, the Pope emphasizes the challenges of migration and the importance of the Church’s solidarity with those affected.

With his visit, Pope Leo XIV sends a clear signal to the international community to take responsibility for the migration crisis and jointly seek sustainable solutions. His commitment contributes to raising awareness of the life-threatening risks and suffering of migrants and reinforces the call for effective and persistent cooperation among all involved countries to protect the dignity of refugees.